A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SUSTAINABLE HEMP FIBERS BASED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR BUILDING INSULATED WALLS

This work investigates the possibility of preparing new eco-sustainable hemp based composite materials by means of an agro-industrial production chain set up. The physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of the hemp composite materials were investigated. Moreover, thermal insulating conductivity measurements were performed, to assess the highly insulating characteristics of the composites. Correlations between the investigated properties were made. The results show the effectiveness of a correct mix-design in improving the physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of the composites. Materials exhibit a good combination of thermal insulation, weight and mechanical strength.